Matthew 27:20

KJV

But the chief priests and elders persuaded the multitude that they should ask Barabbas, and destroy Jesus.

KJV (with Strong's)

But {G1161} the chief priests {G749} and {G2532} elders {G4245} persuaded {G3982} the multitude {G3793} that {G2443} they should ask {G154} Barabbas {G912}, and {G1161} destroy {G622} Jesus {G2424}.

Complete Jewish Bible

But the head cohanim persuaded the crowd to ask for Bar-Abba's release and to have Yeshua executed on the stake.

Berean Standard Bible

But the chief priests and elders persuaded the crowds to ask for Barabbas and to have Jesus put to death.

American Standard Version

Now the chief priests and the elders persuaded the multitudes that they should ask for Barabbas, and destroy Jesus.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Matthew 27:20 captures a pivotal and tragic moment during Jesus' trial before Pontius Pilate, where the Jewish religious leaders—the chief priests and elders—actively intervened to sway the public's opinion. Capitalizing on the Roman custom of releasing a prisoner during Passover, they successfully persuaded the gathered multitude to demand the release of Barabbas, a notorious criminal, and simultaneously call for the crucifixion of Jesus, the innocent Son of God. This verse starkly illustrates the manipulative power of religious authority, the volatility of mob mentality, and the profound rejection of the Messiah by His own people.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is situated within the Passion narrative of Matthew's Gospel, specifically during Jesus' appearance before Pontius Pilate. Following Jesus' arrest in [Gethsemane](/matthew/26-36 "Matthew 26:36 - Jesus Prays in Gethsemane") and His condemnation by the [Sanhedrin](/matthew/26-57-68 "Matthew 26:57-68 - Jesus Before the Sanhedrin"), He is handed over to the Roman authorities as the Jewish leaders lacked the authority to execute Him. Pilate, finding no fault in Jesus and perhaps seeking to avoid a political disturbance, attempts to release Jesus by offering the crowd a choice between Him and Barabbas, a known insurrectionist and murderer. Matthew 27:20 reveals the sinister counter-move by the chief priests and elders to ensure Jesus' demise, setting the stage for Pilate's reluctant acquiescence and the subsequent crucifixion.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The Passover festival was a highly significant time for the Jewish people, commemorating their liberation from slavery in Egypt. It was a period of heightened nationalistic fervor, and the Roman authorities, ever wary of uprisings, often made concessions to maintain peace. The custom of releasing a prisoner (known as *praxis* or *consuetudo*) during Passover is mentioned only in the Gospels, suggesting it was a specific provincial custom of Judea, perhaps initiated by Pilate himself to appease the populace. Barabbas, described as a "notorious prisoner" ([Matthew 27:16](/matthew/27-16 "Matthew 27:16 - Barabbas, a Notorious Prisoner")) and a "robber" ([John 18:40](/john/18-40 "John 18:40 - Barabbas Was a Robber")), was also involved in an insurrection ([Mark 15:7](/mark/15-7 "Mark 15:7 - Barabbas, an Insurrectionist")). The chief priests and elders, representing the established religious and political elite, held significant sway over the Jewish populace, especially during festivals when large crowds gathered. Their motivation stemmed from their deep-seated opposition to Jesus, whom they perceived as a threat to their authority and a blasphemer for claiming to be the Son of God.

* **Key Themes:** Matthew 27:20 powerfully contributes to several overarching themes in Matthew's Gospel and the broader biblical narrative. It underscores the theme of **Rejection of the Messiah**, as the very people to whom Jesus came ultimately rejected Him, incited by their leaders. This rejection fulfills Old Testament prophecies concerning the suffering servant, as seen in [Isaiah 53:3](/isaiah/53-3 "Isaiah 53:3 - Despised and Rejected by Men"). The verse also highlights **Human Injustice and Divine Sovereignty**, where the innocent Son of God is condemned in favor of a guilty criminal, yet this unjust act is paradoxically part of God's sovereign plan for salvation. Furthermore, it vividly portrays the **Corrupting Influence of Power and Manipulation**, as the religious leaders, driven by envy and fear, actively use their authority to manipulate the crowd, demonstrating the dangers of spiritual leadership gone astray. The episode also serves as a stark example of **Mob Mentality**, illustrating how easily a large group can be swayed by influential figures, leading to irrational and destructive decisions.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **persuaded (Greek, _peíthō'_):** This verb (G3982) signifies more than just a gentle suggestion; it implies a deliberate and effective effort to convince, to bring someone to assent, often through argument, inducement, or even coercion. The chief priests and elders actively worked to bend the will of the multitude to their own nefarious purpose, ensuring that the crowd's demand would align with their desire to eliminate Jesus. It speaks to a calculated and successful manipulation.
* **multitude (Greek, _óchlos'_):** This noun (G3793) refers to a throng or crowd, often implying an unorganized, easily swayed mass of people, or even a rabble. In this context, it highlights the volatile and susceptible nature of the large gathering before Pilate, who, without strong convictions of their own regarding Jesus, were vulnerable to the powerful influence of their religious leaders. It underscores the danger of uncritical acceptance of popular sentiment.
* **destroy (Greek, _apóllymi'_):** This verb (G622) means "to destroy fully," "to perish," or "to lose," either literally or figuratively. In this context, it unequivocally refers to the intention to put Jesus to death, to utterly eliminate Him. The choice of this word emphasizes the extreme malice and finality of the chief priests' and elders' objective for Jesus, contrasting sharply with the release of Barabbas.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"But the chief priests and elders persuaded the multitude":** This opening clause immediately establishes the active agency of the Jewish religious leadership. The "chief priests" (G749, `archiereús`), who were prominent members of the priestly families, and the "elders" (G4245, `presbýteros`), who represented the lay aristocracy and heads of families, constituted the Sanhedrin, the highest Jewish judicial and religious council. Their deliberate act of "persuading" (G3982, `peíthō`) highlights their calculated manipulation of the "multitude" (G3793, `óchlos`), the general populace gathered for the Passover festival. This reveals their continued, relentless opposition to Jesus, even after His condemnation by their own court.
* **"that they should ask Barabbas":** This clause reveals the specific outcome of the leaders' persuasion. The "multitude" was swayed to "ask" (G154, `aitéō`), or demand, the release of Barabbas (G912), a notorious prisoner. This choice was presented by Pilate as an option for release, but the leaders ensured the crowd would choose the criminal over the innocent Jesus. This choice of a known insurrectionist over the "King of the Jews" is deeply ironic and symbolic of the world's preference for rebellion over true peace.
* **"and destroy Jesus":** This final, chilling clause states the ultimate objective and the tragic consequence of the crowd's manipulated choice. The word "destroy" (G622, `apóllymi`) here means to put to death, specifically to crucify. This demand for Jesus' destruction, coming from the very people He came to save, underscores the profound rejection of the Messiah and sets the stage for His unjust execution, which would ultimately become the means of salvation for humanity.

#### Literary Devices
The verse employs several powerful literary devices. **Irony** is prominent, as the religious leaders, who should have recognized and welcomed their Messiah, instead actively incite His destruction, choosing a violent criminal over the innocent Son of God. This also presents a stark **Contrast** between Jesus' blamelessness and Barabbas's guilt, highlighting the profound injustice of the crowd's decision. The scene also powerfully depicts **Mob Mentality**, where a large group's individual reasoning is subsumed by collective emotion and external influence, leading to a volatile and irrational outcome. Furthermore, the chief priests' and elders' actions demonstrate **Manipulation**, as they deliberately exploit the crowd's susceptibility to achieve their malevolent ends, underscoring the corrupting influence of power when wielded for selfish purposes.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Matthew 27:20 stands as a stark theological statement on humanity's fallen nature and the profound rejection of God's redemptive plan. It vividly illustrates how religious authority, when corrupted by envy and fear, can lead people astray, inciting them to choose darkness over light, guilt over innocence. The chief priests and elders, blinded by their own power and prejudice, actively worked against the very Messiah their scriptures foretold, demonstrating a tragic spiritual blindness. This moment is not merely a historical event but a timeless reminder of humanity's propensity to reject divine truth and grace, often preferring worldly rebellion (symbolized by Barabbas) to the humble, self-sacrificial love embodied by Jesus. Yet, even in this act of profound injustice, God's sovereign plan for salvation was unfolding, as the innocent Lamb was led to slaughter for the sins of the world.

* [Isaiah 53:3](/isaiah/53-3 "Isaiah 53:3 - He Was Despised and Rejected by Men")
* [Acts 3:13-15](/acts/3-13-15 "Acts 3:13-15 - Peter's Sermon: You Denied the Holy and Righteous One")
* [1 Peter 2:24](/1_peter/2-24 "1 Peter 2:24 - He Himself Bore Our Sins in His Body")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Matthew 27:20 serves as a potent warning and a profound call to self-examination for believers today. It challenges us to critically evaluate the sources of our beliefs and the influences that shape our opinions, urging us not to be easily swayed by popular sentiment, charismatic figures, or even established authorities if their message contradicts the truth of God's Word. The scene with the chief priests and elders reminds us that even those in positions of spiritual leadership can lead people astray through manipulation and self-interest. Therefore, we are called to cultivate discernment, to "test everything; hold fast what is good" ([1_thessalonians/5-21](/1_thessalonians/5-21 "1 Thessalonians 5:21 - Test Everything")). This verse also compels us to consider our own choices: are we, like the multitude, prone to choosing the "Barabbas" of our own desires, worldly pursuits, or self-will over the "Jesus" who calls us to surrender and follow? The profound injustice meted out to Jesus in this moment should stir within us a deeper appreciation for His innocent sacrifice and a renewed commitment to stand for truth and righteousness, even when it means standing against the tide of popular opinion.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what areas of your life are you most susceptible to being swayed by popular opinion or influential voices, rather than discerning truth for yourself?**
* **How does the manipulation by the chief priests and elders in this verse challenge your understanding of spiritual authority today?**
* **What "Barabbas" (worldly desires, self-will, or societal pressures) might you be tempted to choose over Jesus in your daily life?**
* **How can you cultivate greater discernment to recognize and resist manipulation, whether from religious, political, or social spheres?**

### FAQ

**Why did the chief priests and elders want to destroy Jesus?**

Answer: The chief priests and elders desired to destroy Jesus primarily because they perceived Him as a threat to their authority, their interpretation of the Law, and the socio-religious order they upheld. Jesus challenged their traditions, exposed their hypocrisy, and claimed a divine authority that they viewed as blasphemous ([Matthew 26:63-66](/matthew/26-63-66 "Matthew 26:63-66 - Jesus Condemned by the Sanhedrin")). His growing popularity also threatened their standing with the Roman authorities, fearing He might incite a rebellion that would lead to Roman intervention and the destruction of their nation ([John 11:48](/john/11-48 "John 11:48 - The Sanhedrin's Fear of Losing Their Place")). Their actions were driven by a combination of envy, fear, and a profound spiritual blindness to His true identity as the Messiah.

**What was the significance of choosing Barabbas over Jesus?**

Answer: The choice of Barabbas over Jesus carries immense symbolic and theological significance. Barabbas was a rebel, a murderer, and an insurrectionist, representing the world's way of achieving freedom through violence and self-assertion. Jesus, on the other hand, was innocent, the Prince of Peace, offering salvation through self-sacrifice and divine grace. The crowd's choice, incited by the religious leaders, was a profound rejection of God's righteous King in favor of a worldly, sinful figure. This exchange—the innocent for the guilty—foreshadows the ultimate substitutionary atonement where Jesus, the sinless Lamb of God, would die in the place of sinful humanity ([2_corinthians/5-21](/2_corinthians/5-21 "2 Corinthians 5:21 - He Who Knew No Sin Became Sin for Us")).

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Matthew 27:20, while depicting a moment of profound human injustice and rejection, paradoxically serves as a crucial step in the Christ-centered fulfillment of God's redemptive plan. The chief priests and elders, in their malicious intent to "destroy Jesus," unwittingly became instruments in bringing about the very sacrifice necessary for humanity's salvation. The choice of Barabbas over Jesus is a vivid prefigurement of the substitutionary atonement: the guilty man is set free, while the innocent Son of God is condemned to death. This act perfectly illustrates the core message of the Gospel, where Christ, "who committed no sin, nor was deceit found in his mouth" ([1_peter/2-22](/1_peter/2-22 "1 Peter 2:22 - Christ Committed No Sin")), took the place of sinners, bearing their judgment on the cross. His condemnation by the crowd, incited by the religious elite, was not a defeat but the necessary path for Him to become "the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world!" ([john/1-29](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God")). Thus, the unjust demand to "destroy Jesus" became the means by which humanity could be reconciled to God, fulfilling Old Testament prophecies of a suffering servant who would be "pierced for our transgressions" and "crushed for our iniquities" ([isaiah/53-5](/isaiah/53-5 "Isaiah 53:5 - He Was Pierced for Our Transgressions")). This scene underscores that even the darkest acts of human sin and rebellion are ultimately woven into God's sovereign tapestry of grace, culminating in the cross of Christ, where justice and mercy meet for the redemption of all who believe ([romans/5-8](/romans/5-8 "Romans 5:8 - While We Were Still Sinners, Christ Died for Us")).

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

Acts 3:14

But ye denied the Holy One and the Just, and desired a murderer to be granted unto you;

Acts 3:15

And killed the Prince of life, whom God hath raised from the dead; whereof we are witnesses.

John 19:15

But they cried out, Away with [him], away with [him], crucify him. Pilate saith unto them, Shall I crucify your King? The chief priests answered, We have no king but Caesar.

John 19:16

¶ Then delivered he him therefore unto them to be crucified. And they took Jesus, and led [him] away.

John 18:40

Then cried they all again, saying, Not this man, but Barabbas. Now Barabbas was a robber.

Mark 15:11

But the chief priests moved the people, that he should rather release Barabbas unto them.

Luke 23:18

And they cried out all at once, saying, Away with this [man], and release unto us Barabbas: